Amanda Morton is currently the Commercial and Governance Manager for Ventia as well as the Young Leaders Executive for the Australian Chapter of CoreNet. In 2020, she was also a state finalist for the Telstra Business Women’s Award in the Emerging Leader category. On top of her work in corporate real estate she is also the founder of the platform Courageous Women, which celebrates women and inclusion.
Please tell us a bit more about yourself – where are you originally from and where did you grow up?
I am a Canberra girl! I went to the same school from 6 years old to 18 years old, even lived in the same house almost my entire life. My Canberra roots made me who I am today, so much so that I am raising my own family here!
What were your favourite memories and what aspects of College life were you involved in?
My time at college was centred around sport – being a member of the Drew’s rowing team (each year) was possibly my favourite! There was nothing quite like rowing across the finish line, boats ahead of the other colleges, hearing our song, and the cheers of the fellow Drew’s men and women. And then there was of course the celebrations – with the crew and the broader college. I still to this day remember what it was like as Fresher, putting on the St Andrews zootie, and feeling like it was the biggest race of my life!
How has being a part of St Andrew’s influenced your life after College (if it has)?
Some of my most important friendships are from College – lifelong friends, who I lived across the corridor from, then moved out together with after college – and now, although we all live in different states and countries – have a very special bond.
How did you see the College change for women whilst you were there? And have you noticed any changes since?
I truly believe College is going from strength to strength for women – Wayne Erickson has always prioritised female advancement, and through his leadership the college is one of its kind. Seeing student female leadership more and more is wonderful – I clap from afar each time I read another article or update celebrating these wins!
In 2019 you started Courageous Ladies. Could you please tell us about Courageous Ladies and what inspired you to start the organisation?
Courageous Ladies is a platform that celebrates women and inclusion – following the death of my parents I searched for a ‘safe’ place to explore my grief, and couldn’t find one! So, I created one! The community has grown beyond my wildest dream, focusing on topics close to my heart like breast cancer awareness.
You are currently the Commercial and Governance Manager at Ventia. What does the company do and what is involved in your role?
Ventia provide property management to the Commonwealth Government – think The Royal Australian Mint, Australian Taxation Office, Department of Finance. My role is to ensure we as a business provide what we are contractually required to provide, and if we provide over and beyond that (when asked to!) we are paid for it! I work closely with internal and external stakeholders to makes sure everyone is happy – as much as humanly possible…
You are currently the Young Leaders Executive for the Australian Chapter of CoreNet. Could you tell us a bit about CoreNet’s aims and objectives and how you got involved?
CoreNet is the world’s leading professional association for corporate real estate executives, aiming to advance the practice of corporate real estate through professional development opportunities, publications, research, conferences, designations and networking. As Australia’s Young Leader Executive, I lead our organisation for those 35 years and below.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far – career or otherwise?
Career wise, my greatest accomplishment would be being a 2020 Telstra Women in Business Award finalist – it was an incredibly opportunity, and one that will impact my career for years to come.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I am a mum! To an 8-month-old little boy called Bobby – he keeps me on my toes, steals my sleep and fills every day with giggles!
Do you have any advice for young Androvians looking to pursue a career in corporate real estate?
Corporate Real Estate is an industry filled with opportunities – find your interest, and don’t be afraid to go all in! Continue pursuing further education, because that will help you stand out from the crowd.
